Unexpected Encounter

During the banquet, Samantha drank a bit too much and stood up to go to the restroom.

Just as she exited, she saw a familiar small figure standing in the corridor, looking around.

The little one appeared to be only four or five years old but possessed a face that could enchant anyone. His eyes were pitch black and bright, a small, straight nose complementing the peach-like pink lips. He seemed like a little male model straight out of a magazine.

Samantha frowned displeased and walked over.

"Alexander Miller, why are you here? Didn't I tell you and your sister to wait at home? What if something dangerous happened? Where is your sister?"

Noah's tender little face was tense, his pink lips tightly pressed into a line, showing a level of sophistication and coldness beyond his years. "Your tricks are outdated!"

Samantha didn't understand and was momentarily puzzled, "What?"

Noah said coldly, "Give up on that idea! My dad will never like a woman like you who doesn't respect herself."

After saying that, he ran away without looking back.

In the blink of an eye, the boy was gone at the corner of the corridor.

"Hmph..."

She couldn't help but laugh.

Unexpectedly, her son not only sneaked out but also scolded her for not respecting herself.

The little rascal, feeling mischievous again?

But upon second thought, something seemed off. Her son was known for being mischievous and troublesome. Usually, when he saw her, he would immediately jump into her arms, slobbering all over her face.

But today, he was all serious and mature, as if he had completely changed.

Samantha took a quick step and caught up with Noah, pulling him up into her arms.

"What are you doing? Quickly put me down." Noah's tiny eyebrows were tightly knitted together, his face full of vigilance.

Seeing his somewhat old-fashioned appearance, Samantha not only wasn't angry but also excitedly planted a kiss on his face. "You little brat, I love your look, so cute..."

"You...!"

Feeling inexplicably taken advantage of, Noah was about to explode in anger. Just as he was about to erupt, Samantha pressed him into her embrace. "I've finished my business. I'll go in, say hello to them, and then we'll go home together."

Noah, feeling embarrassed, blushed deeply.

As he was about to resist, suddenly, a faint fragrance filled his nostrils. He was slightly stunned, greedily taking another breath.

This scent was so familiar, so warm.

It gave him an inexplicable sense of peace and security, smoothing out his irritable emotions. He even greedily wanted to stay in her arms.

He didn't feel this way even when facing his biological mother, Suzy.

Samantha didn't notice his unusual reaction and carried him into the private room.

The people in the room, seeing her with an extra person, cast curious glances at her.

Samantha explained with a smile, "This is my son, Alexander, nicknamed Alex."

She had given birth to twins.

Her son died at birth, leaving only her and her daughter--Charlotte. By chance, she encountered the infant Alexander. For some reason, at the first sight of him, she was reminded of her deceased son, feeling a strange closeness. So, even though she was already overwhelmed at that time, she still adopted him without hesitation.

Then, she left the capital with her two children, and four years had passed.

During these four years, they relied on each other. She treated Alexander as her biological son, and Alexander believed he and Charlotte were twins, unaware of his true identity.

Listening to her introduction, everyone stared wide-eyed in disbelief.

They couldn't believe that the twenty-something Lila had a son this big.

Ignoring their curious looks, Samantha turned to Wendy. "I need to personally meet Ellena Steele to provide a specific plan. Arrange a time for me."

Her words made Noah raise an eyebrow slightly. Why did she want to meet his aunt? What was the point?

Wendy, understanding Samantha's usual style, nodded in agreement.

After finishing the conversation, Samantha, concerned about her daughter at home, exchanged a few more pleasantries before leaving.

Having had a bit too much to drink today, Samantha arranged for a designated driver.

Leaning back in the chair, she massaged her slightly throbbing temples, and like any other mother, she rambled on.

"Alex, I forgive you today. Don't run around randomly in the future. You're only four years old, and it's dangerous outside. What if you encounter a bad person? I have worked so hard to raise you this big. If something happens to you, I..."

Before she could finish her sentence, Noah's deep voice interrupted her, "Why do you want to see Ellena Steele?"

Samantha, not suspecting anything, casually replied, "Ellena's wedding is in half a year. I am planning to design wedding jewelry for her. If I don't meet her in person, how can I understand her requirements?"

Noah understood, his sharp eyes fixed on Samantha's face, full of doubt.

Who was this woman?

Why did she mistake him for her son?

How could a biological mother mistake her own son?

Unless they looked extremely alike, so much so that even the closest people couldn't distinguish them.

Feeling his intense gaze and the powerful aura emanating from him, Samantha furrowed her brow in confusion. Something flashed through her mind, but the aftereffects of the alcohol were too strong. Her head felt a bit dizzy, and she couldn't capture any useful information before it disappeared.

Half an hour later, they arrived at their destination.

Samantha held the small hand of Noah, walking through the small paths paved with cobblestones in the residential area.

Noah, afraid of going further, stood still, making a desperate expression, "I need to pee."

Samantha said, "Hold on, we're almost home."

Noah's little face wrinkled up, looking very uncomfortable, "No, I can't hold it."

Helpless, Samantha pointed to a restroom behind a fake mountain not far away, "There's a restroom behind the fake mountain. Go there by yourself, I'll wait here for you."

Noah nodded and ran behind the fake mountain.

Samantha waited in place for him.

One minute.

Two minutes.

...

Five minutes passed.

Noah still hadn't come out.

Samantha, fearing something happened, softly called, "Alexander?"

No response from behind the fake mountain.

Anxiety surged through her. Just as she was about to go look for him, a familiar voice came from behind, "Mommy..."

***